That sounds pretty dramatic... I know. But, if you are honest, and if you study history, you will see some disturbing parallels to other Empires that have fallen. Namely, Rome. When Rome fell, they were at their largest expanse, had vast amounts of capital, and saw no end in sight. They had no need for God, and basically, asked Him to leave. So, God did. And without His blessing, the Empire of Rome collapsed. From lack of morals, lack of direction and purpose, lack of meaning. Rome was engulfed in "self". So, the Empire essentially imploded.
If we take an honest look at American politics, we will see similar "lackings". Morals? Not to be found on Capital Hill. Direction and purpose? You got it: Self. Every politician on both sides of the aisle are serving self. Sure, they talk a good talk, but the evidence is very clear that the vast majority of the people we pay to "serve" us are really serving only themselves. There are some that line up with our own agenda better, so they appear to be less self-serving, but the bottom line is that there are very few "public servants" left.
Machiavelli wrote over 400 years ago about this: A "Representative Republic" is the best and the worst type of government. Essentially, he said that, in theory, a Democratic state such as ours now is (supposedly) would eventually implode. His theory was based on the fact that when "public servants" can manipulate laws to improve their status, and decide how much to pay themselves, and all that entails, that eventually (he actually estimated 200 years) those in power would gain too much power and the end result would be revolution. That is why he preferred the Government of "The Prince". He imagined a person who was in charge of everything, and if that person were truly virtuous, there would be a perfect state. Of course, he admitted the likelihood of this was remote...
To the point: America is not unshakable, as we have recently seen. But it also seems America is arrogant and unwilling to do what it takes to correct its course. Here is what I truly believe will save us:
1. Let God back in. Yes, the Bible... let people freely believe what Jesus has said and let them talk about it at work, at school, and in the government without mocking them, firing them or suspending them.
2. Cut by at least 50% all the pay for all congressman, senators, and everyone else in public service (not at the local level - for the most part, they are underpaid.) I mean cut their pay, their benefits, and their budgets. This way, only those who truly want to serve because they love America will WANT to serve. Don't make it so lucrative.
3. Cut Government spending drastically. Cut out welfare except for only the truly disabled. Put a limit on the time anyone able-bodied can receive any funds - down to 90 days per calendar year.
4. Provide an alternative income tax - a flat tax any person can pay instead of reporting every single penny spent... If someone wants to continue doing their taxes as it is today, fine.. but it may make more sense to give them an alternative.. If I was told just pay 20% of my total income instead of working all those hours to provide all the documentation, I'd pay the 20% and forget about it.
5. Prohibit government from borrowing any more money. They need to "live with in their means." The interest payments alone that will be saved would be incredible.
6. Punish Media reporters who lie. (I am not really sure how that could be done.. they all are biased... I just was hoping...)
To close, I will say that I am voting Republican this year. I believe strongly that Obama's liberal fiscal plans will push America into even a deeper tailspin. I am unhappy with John McCain, but when you can only choose between two, this year, the choice is incredibly obvious. Oh, don't believe the liberal media -- they have been wrong three elections in a row...
